Connecticut's Long Wharf Theatre presents concert performances of the 1992 Tony-nominated musical Jelly鈥檚 Last Jam September 17 and 18.
Directed by Dennis Whitehead Darling, the cast includes Carmen Ruby Floyd as Anita, Sydney James Harcourt as Jelly Roll Morton, Bryan Terrell Clark as Jack the Bear/Buddy Bolden, Tina Fabrique as Miss Mamie/Gran Mimi, Iris Beaumier as Hunnie #3, Christian McQueen as Male Ensemble #2, Shara茅 Moultrie as Hunnie #2, Justin G. Nelson as Male Ensemble #1, Jessica Hailey Reese as Female Ensemble #1, Steve Routman as Melrose Brother #2, Julian Rozzell Jr. as Chimney Man, Justin Sudderth as Young Jelly, Amaya White as Hunnie #1, and Jason SweetTooth Williams as Melrose Brother #1.
Jelly鈥檚 Last Jam has a book by George C. Wolfe, music by Jelly Roll Morton, lyrics by Susan Birkenhead, and a musical adaptation and additional music composed by Luther Henderson. The musical spotlights jazz legend Jelly Roll Morton, who revolutionized American music. Gregory Hines and Tonya Pinkins starred in the original Broadway production, both earning Tony Awards for their performances.
The concert staging also has creative consultation by Patricia McGregor, choreography by Chris Bell, and music direction by David Freeman Coleman.
Long Wharf's fall programming at 222 Sargent Drive also includes the first staged reading of Flying Bird鈥檚 Diary, written by Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel and directed by Madeline Sayet (October 22-23).
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